5 Ways To Create Your Own Windfall

From finding money in the pocket of a pair of jeans, to a winning scratchie or a bequest, a windfall is a nice surprise. But it doesn’t have to be unexpected. Here are five ways you can create your own financial windfall now...

1. Consolidate Your Super
From your first job, you start contributing to superannuation. So by the time you’ve started a full-time career, you could have numerous forgotten super funds from part-time jobs that are continually incurring fees. Now, thanks to sites such as www.unclaimedsuper.com.au, you can track down lost super.

2. Find Lost Money
ASIC’s Unclaimed Money Online search can also uncover unpaid wages or funds from old life insurance policies, company shares or unused bank accounts. Another option is to investigate whether you are entitled to money being held by your state government. For more information, head to www.moneysmart.gov.au.

3. Banking
We’ve all been paying attention to NAB’s ads promoting its fee cuts, which in turn has started some healthy competition between the big banks. We’re getting better deals than ever, so it’s a good idea to shop around and make sure you’re not paying more than you have to.
Book an appointment with your branch manager – you’d be surprised how much more bang you can get for your buck.

4. Combine Bills
Big businesses will always offer discounts as an incentive for you to use more of their products, particularly when it comes to bills. Think: phone line, internet, mobile and TV. Most insurance companies offer combined house, car and life insurance for a packaged deal, which is cheaper than buying them individually.

5. Online Selling
We all know about selling our unwanted stuff on eBay, but that comes with fees. Why not try sites such as www.gumtree.com.au, which let you advertise for free? If you have any products that you make yourself, platforms such as www.etsy.com charge just 35c to place an ad for four months.